Aerobics Quiz

November 24, 1985|By Kathie Davis

When you've made the commitment to invest part of your busy day in a dance-exercise class, you should expect a good return on your investment. But unless you're a fitness professional, it can be difficult to identify a good instructor from among the many who teach classes.

''Good'' means more than enthusiastic or fun -- although both of these qualities are important. Your instructor must also provide workouts that are effective and safe. In a very real sense, your health and fitness are in her hands.

If you perform exercises incorrectly, you won't achieve the results you want. If this happens, you may become discouraged and drop out, particularly if you're trying dance-exercise for the first time. That's not good, but neither is the alternative. When you perform exercise incorrectly over a period of time, you can suffer from pulled muscles or shin splints -- and that means you have to stop exercising for a while. Also, if you try to keep up with a routine that is unsafe or beyond your fitness level, you risk more serious injuries, such as stress fractures, torn muscles or back problems.

Presently, there are no nationally recognized standards for training and certifying instructors, so the burden of finding a quality instructor rests with the consumer. Begin your search by exploring different types of classes. Dance exercise comes in many forms, from low-keyed toning classes to high- powered aerobics sessions. Select one that suits your interest, fitness level and fitness goals. Next, take classes from several instructors and rate each according to the following criteria.

What you can't answer by observing, ask the instructor directly.

1. Is the instructor trained in anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology and the care and prevention of injuries?

2. Is the instructor certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid?

3. Does the instructor ask participants to complete a health history form and obtain medical clearance when necessary?

4. Does the instructor encourage students to wear proper footwear?

5. Does the instructor explain the benefits of the exercises and how to do them correctly and in a controlled manner?

6. Does the instructor periodically move around the room to correct students' movements?

7. Does the class include warm-up and cool-down periods (at least five minutes each)?

8. During an aerobics class, does the instructor explain the importance of heart rate monitoring and have students check pulse rates periodically?

9. Does the instructor encourage a noncompetitive atmosphere which allows all participants to work at their own levels?

10. Does the instructor provide modifications of exercises or alternative exercises for beginning and advanced students and students with special conditions?

11. Does the instructor use music that is appropriate for the exercise being performed? Is the music at an appropriate volume so that she can be heard?

12. Does the class seem to flow smoothly from one kind of movement to another? (If you're sitting one minute, standing the next, then sitting again, the transitions are not well planned.)

13. Is the instructor a good role model -- a fit, enthusiastic nonsmoker?

14. Does the instructor belong to a professional association to keep up with current theories and techniques in the field?

15. Is the instructor concerned enough about her students to answer questions before or after class?

If you can't answer ''yes'' to these questions, keep looking. You should expect the best, and when you find it, hang on to it. Tell the instructor you would like to take more of her classes, and ask for a schedule. When you're in the hands of a real pro, you can exercise just for the joy of it.